Latest KFF Health News Stories
Protections For Reproductive Health Data Begin To Click In
Planned Parenthood’s website had contained marketing trackers, but the organization will remove them over concerns that users’ health data could be compromised. Period tracking app Flo is also preparing an anonymous mode to better cover user privacy. The Health and Human Services Department separately clarified how HIPAA should and shouldn’t play into patient data disclosures to law enforcement.
Connecticut Abortion Law Goes Into Effect; New York Mulls Constitutional Amendment
Connecticut’s new law aims to protect abortion doctors and patients from other state’s bans. Meanwhile, private companies wrestle with the thorny issue for their employees.
Judge To Block Florida’s 15-Week Abortion Ban; Kentucky Trigger Law Put On Hold
State laws restricting abortion access continue to play out in the courts. And clinics and abortion providers are left to muddle their way through the uncertainty.
Biden Supports Filibuster Carve-Out To Codify Abortion Rights
In a position shift, President Joe Biden endorsed Thursday an exception to Senate filibuster rules that would allow the chamber to pass abortion protections into federal law. Democrats would have to pick up additional seats in the midterm election in order to make such a change, as Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona oppose the move.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KHN’s First Edition will not be published Monday, July 4. Look for it again in your inbox Tuesday.
Editorial writers delve into abortion rights.
Opinion writers examine covid and other public health topics.
Syphilis In St. Louis Is Surging To Record Levels
The sharp rise in case numbers over levels seen in recent years has prompted St. Louis health officials to push for tests during pregnancy to prevent congenital cases. In other news, California has a law stopping high schools from opening earlier than 8:30 a.m., and middle schools no earlier than 8 a.m.
Over 150 Rafters, Campers Caught Norovirus In Grand Canyon
The infections happened in April and May, according to the National Park Service, with the size of the caseload described as “rare.” A universal flu vaccine trial by the NIH, the aging and increasing diversity of the U.S. population, sleep duration links to heart health and more are also in the news.
Research Roundup: Covid; Cancer; Sepsis
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Starting July 1, Insurers, Employers Must Show What They Pay For Care
Stat covers the latest push for transparency on health care pricing. Meanwhile, a study reported in USA Today reveals more than half of U.S. hospitals are failing to meet either of the two main requirements of the Hospital Price Transparency law aimed at consumer-friendly pricing.
US Buys 105 Million More Doses Of Pfizer’s Covid Shot For Fall
Meanwhile, at a congressional subcommittee, Florida’s surgeon general said blocking Florida health providers from placing orders for shots for young kids could have led to delays in vaccine access. And Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican, expressed anger over Sesame Street’s Elmo getting a shot.
Pandemic Pushed Maternal Deaths Up 33%: End Of Roe May Make It Worse
Some states banning abortion already have high mortality rates. Vox notes Black women are expected to be hit worse.
Bipartisan Resistance Kills VA Reform Plan
The Washington Post and the AP note that a “sweeping” update to the largest health care system has been long-sought, but bipartisan efforts will now lead to a dismantling of the commission appointed to carry out downsizing. Mental health care access and substance abuse in the military are also reported.
FDA Says Abortion Pill Use Limited To 10 Weeks. Others Say Longer
The World Health Organization now says self-managed medication abortions can happen up to 12 weeks, and The Atlantic reports activists around the world say it can be used much later than that. Mobile abortion clinics, access to medication abortion in Florida, and more is also in the news.
Future Of Decades-Old Abortion Trigger Laws Plays Out In Courts
Abortion-rights groups are challenging laws that ban abortion in states like Ohio, West Virginia, Utah, Kentucky, Louisiana and Idaho. Judges have already put some of them on hold while other cases are pending.
More Prosecutors Say They Won’t Enforce State Abortion Bans
The looming national patchwork of abortion laws and restrictions could get even more complicated at the state-level, with some liberal district attorneys saying they will not prosecute abortion providers or patients. Also in the news: President Joe Biden is expected to nominate an anti-abortion lawyer as a federal judge.
White House Releases New Patient Privacy Guidelines For Post-Roe World
The Biden administration is responding to fears that patient data and tech tools could be used against women seeking reproductive care in states where abortion is banned. The Department of Health and Human Services is emphasizing federal limits on the disclosure of medical records. And the White House will ask the FTC to shield period app data.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Mark Cuban Is Shaking Up The Drug Industry; CRISPR Still Has Some Bugs To Work Out
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
